Wide receiver Curtis Samuel had his best game with the Washington Commanders in last week’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The seven-year veteran caught nine passes for 100 yards against Dallas; both are highs for him during his three seasons in Washington.
Samuel was terrific against a stout Dallas defense, finding holes in the coverage and proving to be a reliable target for second-year quarterback Sam Howell. Samuel also found ways to create yards after the catch.
Samuel is sometimes forgotten in an offense that also has Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, but Howell knows where he is at all times.
“Curtis, he is a great player, and just the way he can get in and out of breaks makes him really effective,” Howell said Wednesday. “He’s a guy that has a really good feel for zone coverage. And then, like I said, his ability to get in and out of breaks and create separation versus man-coverage is really effective. I think when you have a good feel for zone, you can beat man-coverage that makes you a really good receiver.”
Howell was asked a follow-up question about Samuel’s ability to separate, something that has been a problem for Washington’s receivers in Eric Bieniemy’s offense.
“I just think obviously he is a good player,” Howell answered.
“He is a smart player, and he knows how to use his body, knows how to get in and out on breaks, and he does a good job of knowing what things can create separation versus the defenders. All of our guys are good versus man-coverage, and Curtis just has a really good twitch, and he can just get out of those brakes really fast. He’s a great player; I have a lot of confidence in him.”
It’s always good to have the trust of your quarterback.
For Washington to have a chance in its final five games, Bieniemy must do a better job of scheming the ball into the hands of his playmakers. Samuel is excellent around the line of scrimmage. As a former running back, he possesses excellent vision. He can also make plays down the field, but the Commanders have rarely used him in that role.